The beginning of a new season is a perfect time to evaluate your current level of satisfaction. Are you happy with where you are and what you are doing in life? If not, get ready to work towards creating an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.
When I started my company 17 years ago, I had a mentor who told me to “close my eyes and jump.” I was scared but took his words to heart. Through the years, I have had both highs and lows, and every experience has given me the opportunity to grow.
If fear has been holding you back, I hope to offer you inspiration which will motivate you to take a leap of faith towards your aspirations and goals.
Go With Your Instincts
Listen to what your gut is telling you. Are you ready for the next step? Has it been gnawing at you for a while? What are you waiting for? There will never be a perfect time to take the next step. After you carefully review your finances, making sure you are not putting yourself at financial risk, respect yourself enough to honor your calling. Now, take a deep breath and do something small, or BIG, to move towards your goal. It can be as easy as making a call to inquire about next steps with the right person, or enrolling in an online course to get your feet wet. Just do something. There are no mistakes as you find what works and doesn’t.
Writing It Down Makes It Happen
Describing your goals in writing is strongly associated with success. While it might seem simple enough, and perhaps even a waste of time, studies show things happen on two levels when you put pen to paper. You will remember and recall your goal more often, but it also encodes it in your brain (stored in your long term memory). I have found personal journals where I have written down goals, even forgotten about some of them, but almost ALL of them have come to pass because I truly believe they are always in the “back of my mind.” Write it down. It works.
Check-In With Your Fear
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” This widely circulated quote is sound advice for those hoping to grow. I love it because it acknowledges fear doesn’t have to hold us back. On Medium.com, Lolly Daskal writes, “Start small and become more daring.” Her article also provides 30 journaling prompts around fear and progress.
How would you answer: “Today I did the hardest thing for me when I _________________.”
Fear steals your joy. It limits your ability to grow to your greatest potential because it keeps you stuck. The emotion of fear and excitement are the same – it’s the label you put on it. Our bodies react the same way, but it’s how we see the picture in our minds. The only difference is that your brain is telling you a story. Starting a new business can conjure up the feeling of, “I’m scared.” vs. “I’m on an exciting journey.” Mel Robbins suggests using a “5-second rule,” reframing what your mind is doing. Take a look at her video, where she shows you how she uses her technique to reframe her brain. It’s worth the watch.
Trust a Confidant
Find a group of like-minded people, those you can rely on to tell you the truth. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas, as well as ask for their honest input and support. Some people will be able to give you strictly business advice, while others will provide you with the emotional support you need. As you continue to research your next steps to make your dream a reality, you will find new people you align with as you put yourself in situations where you meet creative minds with the same goals. This offers you a wider net of support.
For example, one of my very close girlfriends decided she was going to teach Barre class. At the time she had no previous instructor training, only a deep desire to follow her heart. She started by taking classes herself, followed by intensive barre training and lots of hard work. Riddled with both excitement and fear, she eventually offered her first class. She was scared but determined. Her desire over-rode her fear as she was committed to following and honoring her dream. Along the way, she has met a great group of people, both fellow instructors and those who have signed up to take her class. She loves what she does and now has a great support group of colleagues and new friends. Fear lost this round.
Take Care of Your Health
While you are figuring out what to do next, don’t overlook your health. One key to feeling your best is exercise. In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg writes: “Typically, people who exercise start eating better and becoming more productive at work. They smoke less and show more patience with colleagues and family. They use their credit cards less frequently and say they feel less stressed. Exercise is a keystone habit that triggers widespread change.”
Reserve the Right to Adjust Your Goals
As you go and grow, you may find where you are led is different from where you thought you wanted to end up. This is part of the journey. Nothing is written in stone, and it’s important to not feel guilt over adjusting your vision. Erase, edit or add as necessary. There is no right or wrong; just get moving along your path.
Reach out to Someone New
Speaking of asking for guidance, the last quarter of this year is a wonderful time to make new connections. There are a multitude of business networking events you can attend. Instead of feeling awkward or shy about moving into a new circle, go for it. Grab your soon to appear pumpkin spice latte and extend your hand to a new connection or friendly face.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anaïs Nin
You may also like 8 Things Entrepreneurs Should Consider Before Starting a Business. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
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